993_Pilot

Bruce,
Thanks a bunch, those pics really help to get an idea about what I am up against. I already have a MP3 compatible tuner/cd player, so maybe I should just revise my plan to do something similar to what you have in mind. If I can make a new panel and somehow create a recess to mount a Garmin Nuvi, that would probably keep me happy aesthetically, and have the benefit of being portable. I don't know too much about them, but I know that some models play MP3's and have voice commands. Do you know if they have an 'audio out' that I could hook up to the aux. jack input on my tuner? Next time I get to the city, or if you are ever in my area, shoot me a PM and I'll buy you a beer or three.

epj993

Another thing to consider with this setup is the ability to actually see the screen. My Nuvi is mounted in a similar position to Bruce's (without the console) and the entire screen it just barely visible when driving. It's down low and you have to take your eyes off the road to see it.

With the setup below, I suspect the screen may be blocked in full or in part by your right leg and/or steering wheel. Of course, you can always move you head over everytime you want to view it, but that will probably get tiresome pretty quickly.

brucec59

My nuvi 650 has an audio out jack, and it has an mp3 player built in, but I don't remember how much it holds. I have not tried using it that way. I got the radio mainly for its HD Radio compatibility (outboard tuner mounted under/behind driver seat). It (the head unit) has a USB jack and 1/8 aux jack on the front panel. I've used the USB with a flash drive.

One thing about mounting flush is that you have to be able, at least on mine, to flip the antenna up to turn on the GPS, and to plug in the remote antenna. You can see the gold plug on the right side of the flip-up antenna in my pic. I have seen some boat and airplane GPSs that can be mounted in a dock, which was my original idea, but I couldn't find anything for the automotive-type portable GPS units, so I went with the RAM mount after I got my Garmin on sale at Costco for $299.

This pic is from http://www.skygeek.com/pd-4.html



It's true, you have to take your eyes off the road to look down that far, but I just hated having up on the windshield.

993_Pilot

I figured that the screen would be out of the normal visual scan area which is why I want to have a unit that gives audible commands. The "dock" idea looks like a good one if I can find a unit for autos. I am not in any big hurrry, and this industry is constantly making improvements. I will keep my eyes open for a unit (and a center console) that meets my needs. Thanks for the input.

993_Pilot

Bump, still looking . . .

Targa97

FYI...I am having a custom-built center console that will hold a double-din Alpine 910BT
The company has plans to make molds and sell it to you guys as well :-D

Stay tunned,
Ray

David in LA

In carbon fiber?!?

Targa97

It will be made of fiberglass and painted to match the body color.
Plus, he is making custom-built door speaker pods that will hold bigger
and better speakers, which will also be out of fiberglass and also painted
to match the body color.

Arena993

I've got an OEM one for sale with no mods in black leather. Great condition if anyone is interested. Just shoot me a PM. Been sitting in a closet

Mike

993_Pilot

I ended up going another way with my stereo system/setup, but I will be interested to see what your guy comes up with. Please post some pics when it is done.

aribop

Any word or pictures of the new custom console??

M. Schneider

+1 Anyword?

Baj

I installed this for one of my customers.
Custom leather face, factory switches with custom script.

The face is not clipped in in the pic.